Sunderland's Young Asian Voices celebrates 25th anniversary of changing lives in the city

February 18 marks 25 years since YAV youth and community project was established to provide services for under-represented groups and help Sunderland become a more inclusive place to live.

Despite the difficulties it was met with at the time, the small group now has 19 staff, 23 volunteers and a Board of Trustees who perform vital work in flying the flag for multiculturalism.

Their work in the early years gave confidence to and empowered Bangladeshi and other under-represented communities.

Over the years the scope of activities has widened considerably and YAV today provides multi-layered social and community activities to primary and secondary schools, as well as the wider community.

Volunteers and staff have helped out at the city’s biggest cultural events, from the annual 10k to Diwali celebrations and representing the city at royal visits, meeting the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. In response to the pandemic, in recent months the young people have been delivering food packages to older people in the city.

At the heart of the charity is its passion for increasing integration and feelings of belonging across the community.

Manager K. Ramanathas, known as Ram, has been with the charity since its inception and has worked closely with its chairperson, Dr Paul

Andrew, in linking YAV with regional and national partners.

But Ram says the YAV story is really about its staff, volunteers and service users who have grown in confidence and become ambassadors for their city.

Speaking about the group’s current projects, he said: “In terms of large projects YAV is currently working with Sport England in areas such as connecting communities, giving young people positive experiences, and improving well-being. But we are all about ongoing provision and support, no matter how large or small, and our work continues to evolve.”

Dr Andrew says although the charity has made great progress, there are still hurdles to overcome.

He said: “The social climate continues to be difficult. This is influenced by ongoing economic challenges as well as historical social attitudes. “But in this environment YAV continues to be a beacon of community integration, best practice and hope.”

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